"Astoria" is Greek for "great neighborhood". Okay, it isn't really, but it is still great.
Astoria has a below average violent crime rate and a low property crime rate for New York City.
Astoria, located in the northwest corner of Queens, is a culturally diverse neighborhood that gets high marks for livability. It includes the sub-neighborhoods of Ravenswood, a primarily commercial area; Ditmars-Steinway, a popular spot for young professionals named after the Steinway & Sons piano company; and Astoria Heights, a residential area of detached houses.
Traditionally home to a large concentration of Greeks, these days you'll find Italians, Mexicans, Bangladeshis, and other ethnicities all living in Astoria. It also attracts New Yorkers from other parts of the city thanks to its larger homes and affordability.
The diversity means a you are spoiled for choice when it comes to food. You can find pretty much any type of cuisine that exists within Astoria's borders – and yes, there are still plenty of Greek restaurants here. While nightlife here isn't exactly booming, there is still plenty to do. The century old Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden in particular is a good spot to have a cold drink.
Housing stock here is as diverse as the neighborhood's residents. You'll find prewar brick apartment buildings, townhouses, and single-family homes. Big developments are also bringing thousands of luxury apartments to the area, raising concerns with existing residents that it will change the neighborhood.
Culturally, Astoria has a couple well-regarded museums and the famous Socrates Sculpture Park. And along the East River waterfront is the 60 acre (24 hectare) Astoria Park. Besides offering great views of Manhattan, the park includes playgrounds, a skate park, a running track, grassy areas, and a 330-foot long public swimming pool.
Astoria is bordered on the west and north by the East River, on the east by Woodside, and on the south by Sunnyside and Long Island City.
Commute:
Wall Street: 8.6 miles / 25-60 minutes by car / 50 minutes by transit
Rockefeller Center: 4 miles / 20-50 minutes by car / 30 minutes by transit
Jersey City: 27.5 miles / 50-75 minutes by car / 65 minutes by transit
Downtown Brooklyn: 7.1 miles / 25-60 minutes by car / 50 minutes by transit
Astoria LOCAL schools
Astoria Local Flavor 
A great Greek restaurant in the heart of New York's Greek community. The only downside: it's so popular it's often crowded.
1980s-themed restaurant with lively service. Waiters tell jokes, they show old cartoon shows, and the food is terrific.
Established in 1910, this is one of New York City’s quintessential summer hangouts and one of the largest outdoor drinking venues in the city.
An internationally renowned outdoor museum and a vibrant park offering a wide variety of free public programs.
A low key and tasty BBQ joint that only uses meat that's high quality, pasture-raised, with no hormone or any antibiotic treatment.
A cool outlet for salvaged and surplus building materials. This is where hipsters and interior designers go for unique pieces.
Photo Credits: Thanks to @momentcaptured1 , @Oisin Prendiville , @Guian Bolisay , @Global Jet , @Francisco Anzola , @hettie , @jebb, @Chun Yip So , @Edsel Little , @astoriaqueens_, @bluesoulartist, @ok_cafe, @terrymoonyc, @nyctrolleys for your great photos of this neighborhood!
